No Fireworks This 4th of July

In past years, the best place to see Fourth of July fireworks has been where the city of Los Angeles meets the county: at the end of the Marina peninsula, near the north jetty of Marina del Rey.

Crowds gathered around Venice for congenial block parties. From any south-facing roof or porch in Venice, or on the pier, or at points south, residents could see the magnificent display. It was the only one close by, since Santa Monica eliminated its beach fireworks years ago. I’ve always found the pyrotechnics to be a fitting cap to the celebration of our nation’s birthday.

This year, though, the skies will be dark over the beaches near Venice. County officials blame cancelation of Marina del Rey's fireworks on “budget curtailments.” 

This is a county that made at least $18 million off Marina del Rey last year, but gave back only $1 million.

I can’t help but wonder if the cutbacks are intended by the County Supervisors to boost claims of financial insolvency – to build support for their pending turnover of public land and boat slips to developers.

Maybe if the Coastal Commission approves the plan at its meeting in mid-June, we’ll see the fireworks restored. For now, I’ll just have to settle for the .